Limbird exits school board race, leaving seven candidates

School board candidate Lee Limbird has withdrawn from the race, citing immediate family commitments.

Metro Council members are due Tuesday to collectively vote to appoint a new school board member representing Bellevue and parts of Belle Meade. Alan Coverstone, who previously held that seat, stepped down from the school board to take a job as a Metro Nashville Public Schools administrator.

Limbird was one of eight candidates considered by Council members to take Coverstone’s place. Limbird ran in last summer’s election, when Coverstone was ultimately elected, and came in second with 36 percent of district votes. Council sources say she was among the frontrunners for the Council appointment.

In a withdrawal letter Limbird sent over the weekend to Council members, she said the birth of a grandchild in Alaska will prevent her from being in Nashville for two meetings with Council members. She’ll miss tonight’s “meet and greet” session with the Council, as well as tomorrow night’s vote.

“I retain my passion for K-12 education, and plan to explore running for this Board seat in 2010,” Limbird wrote. “I hope I can have the privilege of your support if I do so.”

Tonight’s “meet and greet” between candidates and Council members is scheduled for 5 p.m. at the Metro Courthouse. Council members will vote on the final appointment Tuesday evening, at the regularly scheduled Council meeting.